Volume 18, Number 1, September 2015
Exam focus
Edexcel: The French Revolution
Elizabeth Francis
This resource presents a sample answer and commentary to an Edexcel-style question for
paper 2, France in revolution, 1774–1799.
Question
To what extent was the unpopularity of Marie-Antoinette the main reason for the downfall of the
monarchy in 1789? (20 marks)
Answer with commentary
There are many reasons why the French monarchy fell in 1789, and one of these was the unpopularity
of Marie-Antoinette. However, there were many other reasons such as the financial turmoil which
Louis XVI faced throughout the 1780s as well as his personality, the role of the army and the
privileged orders, the economic crisis of spring 1789 and the mounting popular pressure within Paris.
The introduction starts well with reference to the question and a clear sense of the factors which
will be covered.
To develop further, the candidate could give a judgement about which factor was the most
important in the downfall of the monarchy in 1789.
During this period France was ruled by the Bourbons and the king ruled by divine right, meaning that
he was answerable only to God. He was known as an absolute monarch. There were also several
other organisations such as the Assembly of the Clergy and several other ministers who advised the
King directly. This meant that power was vested in a very small number of men. Coupled with this
Louis XVI was a very weak man, and was unable to cope with events that were unfolding around him.
For example, Louis adopted a policy of non-cooperation and refused to support things such as the
August Decrees and the Declaration of Rights. Inevitably, this forced people to consider the rights that
the king had overall. This demonstrates the fact that Louis himself could be deemed to be responsible
for his own downfall in 1789.
A clear paragraph in which the candidate discusses King Louis as a reason for the downfall of the
monarchy. Several key terms are used as well as some detailed knowledge, which demonstrates a
sound knowledge and understanding. There is some analysis shown in the final sentence in which
the candidate makes reference to the question.
To develop further, the candidate could have begun the essay by discussing the factor stated in the
question as well as comparing this factor to others to show a hierarchy of which factor was the most
significant in bringing about the downfall of the monarchy.
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www.hoddereducation.co.uk/historyreview
The economic crisis that France faced was the most important factor that brought about the downfall
of the monarchy. Louis and his ancestors had fought expensive wars for centuries and this had led to
France becoming bankrupt. The taxation system was chaotic and inefficient and therefore the
government did not receive enough money to cover what it spent, with nearly all the annual income
going on paying off debts. This crisis, along with a bad harvest, which caused price rises, meant that
city workers had to spend up to half their salaries buying bread. This led to a rapid increase of those in
poverty and increased tensions among the third estates. Many people also thought that the nobility
were hoarding grain, and that this had caused a grain crisis, leading to increased divisions between
the estates. This feeling of resentment between the estates, as well as the clergy, was also fuelled by
the views of the Enlightenment. The philosophers of the Enlightenment based their views on rational
thought rather than tradition and superstition, and were in favour of equality and freedom for all. Their
views heavily influenced people and also had an impact on the outbreak of the Revolution. Louis’s
failed attempts to improve the economy showed how deep the divisions were and also his great
inefficiencies. This meant the Estates-General had to be called, showing how close to revolution they
were.
This paragraph covers the issue of the economy as well as making some further links to the
inefficiencies of the king and to the role of the Enlightenment. The candidate has shown that they
can draw links between factors, a higher-level analytical skill. They have also continued to use
several key terms, as well as making reference to the question.
To develop further, the candidate needs to ensure that they can link these factors to those stated in
the question, and assess the significance of the factors they have mentioned.
The role of Marie-Antoinette in the downfall of the monarchy has long been debated. She married
Louis XVI to try and stabilise the relationship between France and Austria. However, her popularity
with the French nobles and citizens did not last long, as she used her power to acquire expensive
jewellery and for the construction of retreats. These projects drained the Treasury of vital funds at a
time when it was already in considerable debt. She was also rumoured to have had an affair and this
further discredited her with the French people. However, the role of Marie-Antoinette is largely linked
to the financial crisis France faced, accelerated by her spending habits, but apparent before her
marriage to Louis.
Again there is some clear evidence of knowledge and understanding of the period and some
understanding of the role played by Marie-Antoinette. The candidate also draws a link between her
role and the financial crisis France faced, suggesting that she made the financial situation worse.
The candidate could again make reference here to which factor was the most important,
developing the final sentences.
In conclusion, there are a number of reasons why the monarchy fell in 1789. However, I feel that the
most important reason was the role of Louis himself and not that of Marie-Antoinette. While it was
clear that she played a part in increasing hatred and mistrust of the monarchy, it was Louis’s weak
Philip Allan Publishers © 2015
www.hoddereducation.co.uk/historyreview
personality, heavy spending and failure to take on board advice or share power which eventually
brought about their downfall.
A solid conclusion in which a judgement about which factor is the most important is made. There is
also reference to the stated factor from the question, and a comparison between this (the role of
Marie-Antoinette) and the role of Louis himself.
This resource is part of MODERN HISTORY REVIEW , a magazine written for A-level students by
subject experts. To subscribe to the full magazine go to: http://www.hoddereducation.co.uk/historyreview
Philip Allan Publishers © 2015
www.hoddereducation.co.uk/historyreview